PM Nawaz Sharif rejects resignation demands

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Thursday he will not resign regardless of the demands being made by the group conspiring against him as the people of Pakistan have elected him.

The premier made the remarks while chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet. 

Addressing the cabinet members, Nawaz called the joint investigation team (JIT) report a concoction of allegations and stories regarding his family's private businesses.

"Without any hesitation I presented myself and family before the JIT," he stated, adding that his family business predates the entry of any family member in politics.  

"My family didn’t earn anything from politics but did lose a lot," he said, adding that despite reservations he accepted the JIT's formation.

The language used in the JIT report displays malafide intentions, he said, adding that his conscience is clear. 

"Those demanding my resignation on false and unwarranted claims should first look at themselves," said Sharif, referring to the opposition parties.   

The premier said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz got more votes than all the parties demanding his resignation, adding he will not let the country's development become a target of conspiracies.

The members of the meeting agreed there’s no legitimacy to the demands of the premier's resignation, and expressed their complete support to the prime minister.

According to sources, during the meeting, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan commended the premier, saying transparency is a cornerstone of the government.  

He clarified that verdict on the Panama Papers case is awaited, and expressed hope and prayed the prime minister will be exonerated, claimed sources.

"We are not one to be worried as we have faced such difficulties before with the people's help," said Khawaja Asif, who holds the portfolio of minister for water and power, and defence.

Sources quoted him saying the opposition will be defeated on the legal and political fronts. 

Housing Minister Akram Khan Durrani reposed confidence in the premier and advised they reestablish their contacts with the public. sources informed.

Speaking during the meeting, Senator Hasil Bizenjo of National Party, who is the ports and shipping minister, said the prime minister set a new precedent by presenting himself for accountability, according to sources. 

Other than the political situation in the country arising following the JIT report's submission to the Supreme Court on Monday, the cabinet members discussed projects related to power generation and other economic initiatives of the government. 

The 64-point agenda of the meeting also included discussion on memoranda of understanding signed with various countries and approval of the procedure to appoint the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited's managing director. 

On Wednesday, the prime minister presided over an informal consultative meeting where he was briefed by legal and constitutional experts regarding the preparations of the government’s stance on the JIT report, sources told Geo News.

The meeting decided to take up the matter of 'baseless, unwanted remarks' against government functionaries in the Supreme Court, asking on what grounds were such comments made [by the JIT], sources added.

JIT report

The political situation in the country became heated after the JIT submitted its final report to the Supreme Court on Monday. The JIT report observed major disparities in the finances of the Sharif family and their known and declared sources of income.

Following the report, the opposition parties demanded the premier resign. However, the ruling party leaders remarked they will contest the report in the Supreme Court.